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Bachelor of Science in Psychedelic Studies

Complete your degree by exploring the science and spirituality of psychedelics

Program Overview

Program Length

3 Semesters

Number of Units

36-60

Format

Online

Next Cohort

Fall

Our Approach

As the first program of its kind in the United States, the new Bachelor of Science in Psychedelic Studies will provide students with a comprehensive foundation in the Indigenous history, ethnobotany, anthropology, neurobiological and medical characteristics, social, political, legal, and ethical roles, as well as the therapeutic potential of psychedelic substances. Students will gain knowledge preparing them for graduate study, as well as for successful careers in a society where psychedelics are becoming increasingly available. We are currently admitting students for our first cohort in Fall of 2025.

The B.S. in Psychedelic Studies is designed to help students to complete their bachelor’s degree in three semesters. Students choose electives aligned with their career goals with the support of an advisor. Each small cohort progresses through their studies together, which builds relationships and community as students collaborate on projects and co-learn.

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Career Paths

Graduates of the B.S. in Psychedelic Studies have a rigorous academic experience that prepares them for training in a variety of fields including:

  • Psilocybin facilitation
  • Graduate work in psychedelics
  • Psychoactive pharmaceuticals
  • Clinical psychology
  • Social science research
  • Advocacy and outreach
  • Psychedelic clinic management

Curriculum

The B.S. in Psychedelics degree completion program provides a strong general foundation in past and current uses and cultural contexts of the use of psychedelics, entheogens, cannabinoids, and other psychoactive substances. The coursework is situated in an interdisciplinary matrix of neuroscience, psychology, global and indigenous knowledge, ethical, legal, and practical considerations in their use, psychopharmacology and advocacy, equity, and research methods. The capstone/ senior project experience allows students to apply these skills in a research project of their design.

The program is structured with a flexible online format and four virtual weekend intensives to accommodate students’ schedules, and includes one-on-one, student-centered support from our advisors. 

Curriculum Highlights 

Global and Indigenous Knowledges and Ecopsychedelics (4 units) This course provides a history and overview of psychedelic traditions throughout the world. Students will gain a broad understanding of the role of psychedelics in multiple societies, as well as the impacts of colonialism, psychedelic tourism, and other vital topics. Through multi-cultural comparisons and contrasts, students will learn to contextualize both early and modern developments in the study and use of psychedelics, enabling them to make informed decisions with cultural sensitivity and solid scholarship.

Psychedelic Advocacy, Equity, Research, and Connection (4 units) The psychedelic ecosystem is at a historic crossroads, with the promise and peril of a rapidly scaling movement. This course foregrounds the voices of advocates and experts across a wide range of perspectives and disciplines to provide diverse views on the current and future states of psychedelic medicine, with vital attention to principles of fairness, access, equity, epistemic humility, and inclusivity. Questions of solidarity, positionality, power, and ethical relationship will be foregrounded, with respect to the decolonial struggles of Indigenous practitioners and communities. Students will gain familiarity with key narrative, policy, and funding landscapes to be able to understand how they are situated in relation to movements that are grounded and accountable.

Ethical and Legal Considerations in the Use of Psychedelics (4 units) Students in this course will gain the ability to evaluate the use of psychedelics within ethical, legal, and practical contexts. As students become familiar with existing regulations, limitations, and guidelines, students will become skilled in evaluating potential future developments in the field. Students will learn a multifaceted approach to psychedelic policies, enabling them to contribute to ongoing debates from an informed, forward-thinking perspective.
 

  • Semester 1 | Fall 

    Psychology and Psychedelics

    Neuroscience of Psychedelics

    Global, Indigenous Knowledges, and Ecopsychedelics

    Language of Psychology: APA [1 unit; Required elective for all students]

    Semester 2 | Spring 

    Research Methods in Psychedelics

    Ethical and Legal Considerations in the Use of Psychedelics

    Psychopharmacology of Psychedelics

    Semester 3 | Summer 

    Senior Project

    Psychedelic Advocacy, Equity, Research, and Connection

    Expanding Consciousness: Psychedelics and Transformation

Entry Requirements

CIIS invites any students, including nontraditional students and adult learners, to apply to transfer to the University and complete their Bachelor of Science degree. Applicants must meet the general admissions requirements of the University, as well as specific requirements for the program.

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Required Application Materials

Online Admissions Application: Begin the application process by submitting an online application and paying the non-refundable $68 application fee.

Minimum GPA: A GPA of 2.0 or higher in previous coursework is required.

Transfer Credit Requirements: To be eligible for admissions, applicants must have completed a minimum of 54 transferable semester units. General education requirements are designed to give you a broad background in various disciplines.

Transcripts: Applicants must submit official transcripts from all accredited academic institutions attended. If not sent electronically, transcripts must arrive in their official, sealed envelopes. Transcripts can be mailed to 1453 Mission Street, San Francisco, CA 94103. If you have earned more than 54 units, but less than 60 units, we will also require a copy of your high school diploma, transcript, or GED certificate.

General Education Requirements: The completion of the following fields is not a prerequisite to enter the program, but rather an assessment of general education requirements necessary for graduation. We encourage you to meet as many of these requirements before entering the program, however, if you are lacking units, often you'll be able to take them as elective courses while enrolled in the program at CIIS.

  • 3 units of college level math
  • 9 units of humanities and art
  • 6 units of natural sciences
  • 6 units of expository writing
  • 9 units of social sciences
  • 3 units of oral communications

If you are uncertain about your eligibility, you can email your unofficial transcripts to the School of Undergraduate Studies for an unofficial transcript evaluation at jjohnson1@ciis.edu.

Letter of Recommendation: One letter of recommendation from someone who can speak to your academic abilities or preparedness (preferred), or your work/professional experience. The letter should not be from a close friend, family member, or therapist.

Admissions Essay: Submit an essay (five-to-seven pages typed, double-spaced) that incorporates discussion of the following:

  • Experiences that shaped your desire to continue or return to college now
  • Personal interest in a degree in psychedelic studies
  • Preparedness to work in an online program
  • Your goals and expectations for your experience in the program

International Student Information
Diversity Scholarship Application

FAQ

  • NO. At no time does the program promote or require the use of psychedelic drugs in any manner, in accordance with the CIIS Student Handbook as well as state and federal law.

  • No. This is not a facilitator training program. This program is designed to give students a foundation knowledge in psychedelics and plant medicine.

  • A Bachelor's Degree Completion Program is an academic program specifically designed for students who started, but did not finish, their Bachelor's degree. Previously earned credits (a minimum of 54 credits) must be transferred in order to enter the program.

  • Online students will still be required to attend a three-day in-person intensive to begin each semester. Following the intensive, all learning is done online via our online Learning Management System, Canvas. All online classes allow students to continue their learning, collaboration, and discussions that they began at the intensives.

  • This program follows a semester format. You can find important dates and deadlines for each semester on the Academic Calendar.

  • Yes! The bachelor's-to-master's accelerated programs allow students to complete graduate courses as undergraduates. The programs enable students to double-count the units for both degrees and pay undergraduate tuition. Students can save an estimated $20k in graduate tuition. Learn about the application requirements for accelerated bachelor's-to-master's programs on our Accelerated Degree Program page.

  • The online classes are asynchronous, so they do not meet in real time. Asynchronous classes offer students the flexibility to study in a self-paced manner. While most asynchronous classes still have submission deadlines, students can connect with materials, peers, and instructors on their own schedules within the parameters of the instructor's syllabus. In most cases, this means that course activities and assignments can be completed at any time during a given week of the course, rather than at a specific class meeting time.

  • Online courses at CIIS are delivered through the school’s learning management system, Canvas. Course menus in Canvas usually feature links to the syllabus and course content like lecture materials, readings, documents, websites, discussion forums, and other learning tools. Throughout the semester, instructors post assignment grades to the Gradebook in Canvas.

    Instructors may occasionally hold a synchronous session held virtually during the semester and is conducted over an online platform such as Zoom or BigBlueButton.

  • Yes, a student that wishes to request a disability-related accommodation in order to attain their education at the school, including any specific accommodation to participate in the online learning environment, may submit a request for the accommodation to Student Disability Services at sds@ciis.edu

    The Office of Student Affairs will investigate the feasibility of providing the requested accommodation(s) for the student and will require the student to provide documentation of disability status.

    All reasonable attempts will be made to address a request to accommodate a recognized disability to support the requesting student’s ability to attain education at the school.

  • Hardware:

    • Computer with fast processing speeds with at least 4 GB of memory, 128 GB of storage
    • Reliable high speed internet connection
    • The most recent browser release (Chrome and Firefox are recommended)
    • Headset and microphone
    • Webcam

    Skills:

    • Basic computer skills
    • Ability to use email
    • Ability to use Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.
    • Search engine skills
    • Ability to attach and upload documents and materials

    The Office of Student Affairs will investigate the feasibility of providing the requested accommodation(s) for the student and will require the student to provide documentation of disability status.

    All reasonable attempts will be made to address a request to accommodate a recognized disability to support the requesting student’s ability to attain education at the school.

  • The minimum number of transferable units required to enter the program is 54 units. CIIS accepts a maximum number of 84 transferable units, with up to 75 in the lower division and up to 40 in one subject area.

  • Within the limits cited above, we accept as transfer credit:

    • Work in college level classes completed at regionally accredited institutions of higher learning in the U.S. and Canada or from other foreign institutions provided that acceptable documentation and evaluation demonstrates that these institutions and their courses are equivalent to regionally accredited institutions. International applicants must submit foreign transcripts to a foreign credential evaluation service for a "course by course" evaluation. CIIS accepts evaluations completed by the World Education Service (WES) and J. Silny & Associates, as well as from current members of the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES).
    • Documented military training, granting credit based on the American Council on Education (ACE) guidelines.
    • Test results from the College Level Examination Program (CLEP), Advanced Placement Exams, and Excelsior College Exams (ECE) may provide a student with a total maximum of 30 units. The CLEP exam is administered by the College Board, a non-profit organization which is known for its SAT, PSAT, and Advanced Placement programs. Applicants must provide the Institute with official test results.

    Further criteria for transferable credit include:

    • College Level Work: Courses must be college level. This means that courses that are developmental or college-preparatory will not transfer. Graduate level courses may be accepted as transfer credit; students should understand, however, that credit can be counted towards only one degree and that graduate credit applied to an undergraduate degree cannot then be applied again for a graduate degree. Associate of Arts (AA) credits are acceptable except for developmental or college-preparatory courses.
    • Grade Criteria: Students must have earned passing credit or a grade of C or better. Coursework marked by a grade of D, D-, F, or NP (No Pass) or incomplete work is not transferable.
    • Physical Education: CIIS does not accept physical education credit except in specifically defined areas: dance, yoga, and some forms of martial art.
    • Double Credit: Students cannot receive credit twice for the same course of study. This is most easily determined when courses are standardized mainstream college curricula and bear comparable or identical names. It may be less easy to determine in other circumstances. More specific courses, for example, "Modern European Art," are considered as fully separate from survey courses, such as, "Western Art Through The Ages," even though there may be some duplication of material. In certain cases, course descriptions may need to be procured to determine content overlap.
    • Single Subject Limits: Because the BA completion degree is interdisciplinary, students must demonstrate some balance in their studies. A limit of 40 units, or 1/3 of the degree, has been set in this area. However, it is important to apply this criterion thoughtfully. Subjects which are inherently interdisciplinary such as Women's Studies or some ethnic studies may be viewed differently. Simply because some studies may share certain historical or theoretical background may not make them a single subject.
    • Extension Credit: CIIS accepts a maximum of 12 units completed in university extension programs for professional development. These units are reviewed on a case by case basis. Students should be aware that there is no guarantee that these units will be accepted. Please note that Continuing Education Units (CEU) units are not transferable.
  • You can submit your transcript(s) to our admission counselor for review. These do not need to be official transcripts, but students will need to submit official transcripts with their application.

  • Yes, as long as they meet the criteria listed above and you can present an official transcript. The institution(s) you attended may need some extra time to retrieve your records, but the credits you earned do not expire.

  • No, students can meet their GE units while in the program, including the math GE requirement.

  • The exact length depends on a student's number of transfer units and what workload a student wants to carry per semester, which typically ranges between 12-15 units per semester. Most students will complete the program in 3 semesters, with some needing 4 semesters. To graduate, a student must earn 120 units and complete the core curriculum, as well as all general education requirements (if these haven't been met prior to entry into the program).

  • While full-time study is preferable, part-time study is possible. To fully understand the implications of less than full-time enrollment, contact our admission counselor.

  • All online courses in the Bachelor of Science in Psychedelic Studies degree completion program require a substantial amount of student involvement. Although there is some flexibility in schedule, online classes are not self-paced and have frequent due dates.

    Instructors’ expectations of student online participation in classes are outlined in their individual syllabuses.

    However, every student is different and the amount of time they will spend on reading, writing, preparing, and working on projects may differ. A good rule of thumb, however, is to plan for 2 hours per week of preparation and study time for each unit of credit (in addition to time spent in the online classes).

    For example, if a student takes only the core curriculum of 12 units, they can expect to spend (12 x 2 =) 24 hours per week on coursework. Similarly, if a student takes the core curriculum, as well as another 3-unit class, they can expect to spend (15 x 2 =) 30 hours per week on coursework.

  • Yes, a fixed tuition rate will be set for a maximum of four consecutive semesters. Students need to remain in good academic standing to be eligible for the fixed tuition rate. Find more detail on our Policies and Procedures page (under the Student Learning Policies accordion).